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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1985

Control of Flexible Structures (COFS) Flight Experiment Program

The Control of Flexible Structures (COFS) Flight Experiment Program consists of a series of four Shuttle-attached experiments specifically designed to systematically evaluate algorithms and techniques for on-orbit systems identification and flexible body control of large flexible structures, and as such, develops the enabling technologies for future NASA missions such as the evolutionary Space Station and large orbital antennas. These flight experiments are conducted on 1-year centers starting in 1989. This paper presents a description of the test article for the first two flights (COFS-I) and a discussion of the strategy for conducting the various experiments. A guest investigator program provides the opportunity for the research community to participate in the structures/controls research associated with the multi-flight COFS Program.

Fontana, A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Slewing and vibration control of the SCOLE

A discussion of Slewing and Vibration Control makes the following conclusions: (1) A 2-stage approach is feasible and promising for rapid slewing and precision pointing of SCOLE; (2) Not all bang-bang type of time-minimized slew maneuvers will excite large structural vibrations in SCOLE; and (3) Modal dashpots can be a concentrated high-power vibration control, as well as the usual diffuse (broadband, low-power (low-authority) control. The following recommendations are made: (1) Limit the magnitude of applied forces on reflector to either the 25-lb limit of vernier thrusters on the real Space Shuttle or the 150-lb level equivalent to the cold-gas jets of laboratory SCOLE; (2) to complete stage 2, add an integrated design of LQF/LTR (Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian/Loop-Transfer Recovery) and Modal Dashpots; and, (3) Validate the 2-stage approach using the SCOLE laboratory facility with a comprehensive sequence of integrated designs and experiments coupling nonlinear rigid-body motions with flexible-body dynamics.

Lin, Jiguan Gene↗
NASA NTRS1989

Linearized flexibility models in multibody dynamics and control

Simulation of structural response of multi-flexible-body systems by linearized flexible motion combined with nonlinear rigid motion is discussed. Advantages and applicability of such an approach for accurate simulation with greatly reduced computational costs and turnaround times are described, restricting attention to the control design environment. Requirements for updating the linearized flexibility model to track large angular motions are discussed. Validation of such an approach by comparison with other existing codes is included. Application to a flexible robot manipulator system is described.

Cimino, William W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Remote Manipulator System (RMS)-based Controls-Structures Interaction (CSI) flight experiment feasibility study

The feasibility of an experiment which will provide an on-orbit validation of Controls-Structures Interaction (CSI) technology, was investigated. The experiment will demonstrate the on-orbit characterization and flexible-body control of large flexible structure dynamics using the shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) with an attached payload as a test article. By utilizing existing hardware as well as establishing integration, operation and safety algorithms, techniques and procedures, the experiment will minimize the costs and risks of implementing a flight experiment. The experiment will also offer spin-off enhancement to both the Shuttle RMS (SRMS) and the Space Station RMS (SSRMS).

Demeo, Martha E.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Attitude control systems for load relief of Saturn-class launch vehicles

The effectiveness of attitude control laws that are designed to reduce bending moment loads and improve the controllability of large Saturn class boosters is discussed. These laws are referred to as load relief control systems. The two factors are assessed by simulations of varying degrees of complexity, from 2-D rigid body to 6-D with flexible body. A load relief control system, nicknamed AGE, is selected as the most effective of the various proposed schemes. This system is compared with other load relief laws and with simple attitude control. Most nominal vehicles use attitude control laws since their goal is to stay on the flight path without regard to the induced loads.

Sharp, J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Simulation of spacecraft attitude dynamics using TREETOPS and model-specific computer Codes

The simulation of spacecraft attitude dynamics and control using the generic, multi-body code called TREETOPS and other codes written especially to simulate particular systems is discussed. Differences in the methods used to derive equations of motion--Kane's method for TREETOPS and the Lagrangian and Newton-Euler methods, respectively, for the other two codes--are considered. Simulation results from the TREETOPS code are compared with those from the other two codes for two example systems. One system is a chain of rigid bodies; the other consists of two rigid bodies attached to a flexible base body. Since the computer codes were developed independently, consistent results serve as a verification of the correctness of all the programs. Differences in the results are discussed. Results for the two-rigid-body, one-flexible-body system are useful also as information on multi-body, flexible, pointing payload dynamics.

Cochran, John E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Active vibration control techniques for flexible space structures

Two proposed control system design techniques for active vibration control in flexible space structures are detailed. Control issues relevant only to flexible-body dynamics are addressed, whereas no attempt was made to integrate the flexible and rigid-body spacecraft dynamics. Both of the proposed approaches revealed encouraging results; however, further investigation of the interaction of the flexible and rigid-body dynamics is warranted.

Parlos, Alexander G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A quasi-analytical method for non-iterative computation of nonlinear controls

An optimal control solution process was developed for a general class of nonlinear dynamical systems. The method combines control theory, perturbation methods, and Van Loan's recent matrix exponential results. A variety of applications support the practical utility of this method. Nonlinear rigid body optimal maneuvers are routinely solved. Flexible body dynamical systems of an order greater than 40 were solved. The method fails occasionally due to poor convergence of the perturbation expansion or numerical difficulties associated with computing the matrix exponential. The method is attractive because it appears to be a good candidate for semi-automation; no initial guess is required, and it usually converges at 2nd or 3rd order in minutes of machine time.

Junkins, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Modular design attitude control system

A sequence of single axismodels and a series of reduced state linear observers of minimum order are used to reconstruct inaccessible variables pertaining to the modular attitude control of a rigid body flexible suspension model of a flexible spacecraft. The single axis models consist of two, three, four, and five rigid bodies, each interconnected by a flexible shaft passing through the mass centers of the bodies. Modal damping is added to each model. Reduced state linear observers are developed for synthesizing the inaccessible modal state variables for each modal model.

Chichester, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Equations of motion for coupled n-body systems

Computer program, developed to analyze spacecraft attitude dynamics, can be applied to large class of problems involving objects that can be simplified into component parts. Systems of coupled rigid bodies, point masses, symmetric wheels, and elastically flexible bodies can be analyzed. Program derives complete set of non-linear equations of motion in vectordyadic format. Numerical solutions may be printed out. Program is in FORTRAN IV for batch execution and has been implemented on IBM 360.

Frisch, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

On-board estimation technology for space station - Current status and future developments.

Design considerations and projected solutions to on-board automated estimation techniques for advanced technology controls on a space station are described, with emphasis on the state estimator. The space station is modelled as a collection of rigid and flexible bodies connected at a finite number of hinges. The systems dynamics are characterized by angular velocities of the base body, gimbal angles, and deflections of the flexible appendages. The state estimator evolution is projected to occur in four generations, with the first being control logic in the Viking and Voyager spacecraft, the second in the Shuttle and Galileo probe, the third being large antennas and the prototype space station, the last, around the year 2000, for the actual space station. Considerations for attitude, ephemeris, shape determination, and position estimation through each generation are discussed.

Rodriguez, G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Explicit modeling of composite plates and beams in the dynamics of multibody systems

The state of the art dynamic response analysis of flexible multibody systems is currently restricted to elastic bodies with homogeneous materials. The requirements for high speed operation has made it necessary to use lightweight multi layered composite bodies in robotic systems and space structure applications. Dynamic modeling and analysis of such systems are particularly important since the effects of body flexibility to the performance are likely to be more pronounced. The eight-noded isoperimetric quadrilateral element with independent rotational and displacement degrees of freedom is extended to laminated composite elements. The element includes an arbitrary number of bonded layers, each of which may have a different thickness. The transverse shear deformation which is a predominant factor in the analysis of laminated composite structures is taken into account in developing the stiffness and mass matrices. The corresponding 3-D mode shapes are then incorporated to the multibody system dynamical equations. Floating body reference frames allow the selection of different boundary conditions, and the dynamical equations contain all the nonlinear interactions between the rigid and elastic motion. Example simulations are presented to illustrate the methods proposed.

Amirouche, F. M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1967

The OGO attitude control subsystem redesign as a result of OGO 3 experience. Volume 1: System analysis and design studies

An oscillation in the OGO-3 roll control channel, resulting from the EP-5 and EP-6 boom motion coupling into the control channel and causing loss of attitude control, is investigated. The study includes (1) an analysis of the OGO-3 and OGO-2 flight data to determine the nature and extent of the roll oscillation phenomena, (2) design analysis of the complete attitude control subsystem (ACS) to evolve changes which would prevent recurrences of the coupled ACS boom oscillation observed on OGO-3, and (3) analog simulations to verify the performance of the design changes selected. Portions of OGO-3 and OGO-2 flight data are illustrated and the major flexible body oscillation are identified. A model of the major flexible appendage dynamics is developed and is shown analytically and through analog simulations to reproduce the OGO-3 oscillation phenomena. The design changes which were found necessary are: a reversal delay logic for the roll reaction wheels, widening of the solar array dead zone from 0.5 to 1.0 deg, and modification of the OPEP control loop to include a filter and stabilizing feedback loops.

Mckenna, K. J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Application and use of Multi Body Dynamic Simulations for In Space Mechanisms

The Thermal and Mechanical Analysis Branch of the Space System Department (ES22) is actively growing and expanding a new mechanical analysis capability. In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for Multi Body Dynamics (MBD) analysis to support small ESPA ring size spacecraft, cubesats, lunar surface operations and large spacecraft with complex operations or deployables. Requirements can be balanced for both needs to ensure mechanism is verified for launch. Multi-body dynamics is the study of multiple rigid or flexible bodies that are linked together or are in contact and the associated kinematics and dynamics of the system. The typical outputs include performance information, loads, and deflections of mechanical systems. They routinely support the development of robotic mechanisms, deployment mechanisms, landing simulations, control systems, and conops planning.

Multi Body Dynamics Analysis↗
NASA NTRS1982

Modular design attitude control system

A hybrid multilevel linear quadratic regulator (ML-LQR) approach was developed and applied to the attitude control of models of the rotational dynamics of a prototype flexible spacecraft and of a typical space platform. Three axis rigid body flexible suspension models were developed for both the spacecraft and the space platform utilizing augmented body methods. Models of the spacecraft with hybrid ML-LQR attitude control and with LQR attitude control were simulated and their response with the two different types of control were compared.

Chichester, F. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

SPS antenna pointing control

The pointing control of a microwave antenna of the Satellite Power System was investigated emphasizing: (1) the SPS antenna pointing error sensing method; (2) a rigid body pointing control design; and (3) approaches for modeling the flexible body characteristics of the solar collector. Accuracy requirements for the antenna pointing control consist of a mechanical pointing control accuracy of three arc-minutes and an electronic phased array pointing accuracy of three arc-seconds. Results based on the factors considered in current analysis, show that the three arc-minute overall pointing control accuracy can be achieved in practice.

Hung, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Modular design attitude control system

The problem of applying modular attitude control to a rigid body - flexible suspension model of a flexible spacecraft with some state variables inaccessible was addressed by developing a sequence of single axis models and generating a series of reduced state linear observers of minimum order to reconstruct those scalar variables that were inaccessible. The specific single axis models treated consisted of two, three and four rigid bodies, respectively, interconnected by a flexible shaft passing through the mass centers of the bodies. Reduced state linear observers of all orders up to one less than the total number of scalar state variables were generated for each of the three single axis models cited.

Chichester, F. D.↗